What is erythromycin?
Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in
the body.
Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Erythromycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are taking any of
the following medicines:
Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous
or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
If you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests
to safely take erythromycin.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Erythromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take erythromycin?
Take erythromycin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Erythromycin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an
enteric-coated
or
delayed-release
pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to
protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The delayed-release pill is specially
made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be
released at one time.
The chewable tablet form of erythromycin must be chewed before swallowing.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get
the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Erythromycin
will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using erythromycin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of erythromycin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about erythromycin?
Your pharmacist has information about erythromycin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of erythromycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
chest pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed or fainting;
-
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain;
-
dizziness, headache, feeling tired;
-
vaginal itching or discharge; or
-
mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are also taking
cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could
cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis. You
may not be able to take erythromycin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special tests during
treatment.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an
enteric-coated
or
delayed-release
pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to
protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The delayed-release pill is specially
made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be
released at one time.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Erythromycin
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF
15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Erythromycin
will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What should I avoid while taking erythromycin?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Erythromycin
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF
15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect erythromycin?
Many drugs can interact with erythromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you
are using:
-
bromocriptine (Parlodel);
-
cilostazol (Pletal);
-
cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
-
digoxin (Lanoxin);
-
disopyramide (Norpace);
-
quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);
-
sildenafil (Viagra);
-
tacrolimus (Prograf);
-
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theobid, and others);
-
verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);
-
vinblastine (Velban);
-
alprazolam (Xanax) or triazolam (Halcion);
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic
acid (Depakote, Depakene);
-
a cholesterol-lowering medication such as lovastatin
(Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor);
-
ergotamine (Ercaf, Cafergot, Ergostat, Ergomar) or
dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); or
-
any other antibiotics.
This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that
can interact with erythromycin.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and
over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of erythromycin?